The Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman has officially petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, calling for the immediate retraction of what they describe as “derogatory” remarks made about the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a prominent figure in Ghana’s fight for independence.
The group is demanding an apology from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale Central, Murtala Mohammed, for allegedly referring to Dr. J.B. Danquah as a “traitor and a CIA operative“.
According to the Coalition, these remarks not only distort historical facts but also tarnish the legacy of a man they regard as a national hero.
Dressed in red and black to signify their displeasure, members of the Coalition gathered at Parliament House on Friday, March 7, 2025, to submit their petition.
Led by their convenor, Akomaning Yeboah, the group insisted that the Speaker of Parliament must take urgent action by compelling the MP to withdraw his comments and issue a formal apology in the House.
“The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Murtala Mohammed, made false and denigrating remarks about JB Danquah. He contributed immensely to Ghana’s development. We want the Speaker to ensure he retracts his statement and apologizes to the family and Ghanaians.”
Akomaning Yeboah
The Coalition further demanded that the statement be expunged from the parliamentary records, arguing that such historical distortions could harm national unity and disrespect the memory of one of Ghana’s founding fathers.
Traditional Council Joins the Fight
Meanwhile, the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council also announced its intention to petition Parliament over the same issue.
Osabarima Okogyeaman Apagya Fori IV, the Kyebi Apapamuhene and Warlord of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area confirmed that the Council would formally present its petition to the Speaker.
“We are here to show our concern to the Speaker that someone has insulted our beloved JB Danquah despite his contributions to the nation. He doesn’t deserve that. We have poured libation, and… we will send our petition.”
Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Council
The Traditional Council further described the remarks as offensive and unfortunate, emphasizing that JB Danquah played a crucial role in Ghana’s independence struggle.
They insisted that the comments made by the MP do not reflect historical truth and must be retracted to preserve the dignity of the country’s political history.
Accordingly, the youth of Okyeman have thrown their full support behind the Traditional Council’s petition, intensifying pressure on the Tamale Central MP to withdraw his statement.
“We, the youth of Okyeman, are displeased with the comments. We are asking Hon. Murtala Mohammed to retract the derogatory remark and apologize to the people of Akyem Abuakwa, JB Danquah’s family, and the nation as a whole.”
Youth of Okyeman
The controversy has sparked heated debate among political analysts, historians, and citizens across Ghana.
While some argue that Parliament should serve as a platform for free speech and historical debate, others believe that statements that misrepresent historical figures and their contributions should be condemned.
The issue has also reignited discussions about JB Danquah’s role in Ghana’s history, with some critics questioning his contributions, while his supporters maintain that he was instrumental in laying the foundation for the country’s political landscape.
With both the youth group and the Traditional Council formally bringing their concerns to Parliament, all eyes are now on Speaker Alban Bagbin and the leadership of the House.
It remains to be seen whether the Speaker will address the demands of the petitioners and compel Hon. Murtala Mohammed to retract his comments.
This development highlights the sensitivity surrounding Ghana’s historical narratives and the strong emotions tied to the legacy of national figures given similar issues involving former President J.J. Rawlings and Hon. Zanetor Rawlings.
As the nation watches, the outcome of this petition could set a precedent for how Parliament handles similar disputes in the future.
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